Saturday Edition
November 24th, 2012
David’s Daily Digest
Bryce Brown Slated to Start Monday Night
The Eagles have ruled out LeSean McCoy (concussion) for Monday night and back up rookie running back Bryce Brown will get the start. Brown has seem limited action this season, but filling in as the starter this week could offer some hope to struggling fantasy owners. With rookie quarterback Nick Foles making his second start, the Eagles could rely more on its’ ground game after last week’s struggles in the air. Brown should have some success against the Panther’s 19th ranked run defense that allows over four yards per carry. The Panthers also allow the 11th most fantasy points to running backs.
Spiller Looking for Big Game on Sunday
Running back Fred Jackson is expected to return to action this Sunday against the Colts, but it will be CJ Spiller getting the start. Jackson is returning from a concussion and will likely see limited action. Spiller has the hot hand and could continue his solid play this week facing the Colts 21st ranked run defense. Spiller leads the team with 723 yards on the ground and has added another 336 receiving yards with five total touchdowns (4 rush, 1 receiving). The Colts allow the 7th most fantasy points to running backs and have surrendered 11 rushing touchdowns; this is the recipe for a great Sunday.
Foles will Start, Vick Ruled OUT Monday
The Eagles will roll with rookie quarterback Nick Foles on Monday night against the Panthers with Michael Vick (concussion) being ruled OUT. Last week Foles really struggled in the pocket completing less than 50% of his passes and throwing two interceptions. Foles was harassed all afternoon by the Redskins defense that sacked him four times and forced three fumbles from the rookie. With Foles under center, starting receivers DeSean Jackson (2 catches, 5 yards last week) and Jeremy Maclin (0 catches last week) become huge risky plays this week. The Panthers will bring more pressure this Monday night and only allow the 6th fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jackson and Maclin should be avoided, if you have other options.
Smith or Kaepernick, Expect Niners to Ride Gore
The move to start quarterback Colin Kaepernick on Sunday against the Saints has not been made official just yet, although all signs indicate he will. Whether the Niners make the move from Alex Smith to Kaepernick this Sunday or not, facing the Saints 32nd ranked run defense the team is likely to feed its running game that features Frank Gore. Gore leads the team with 829 yards rushing this season and quietly ranks 8th in the NFL. The Saints defense this season allow the most rushing yards per game and give up the 2nd most fantasy points to running backs; Gore needs to be in all line-ups this Sunday.
By David Ortega
Friday Edition
November 16th, 2012
David’s Daily Digest
No Brown on Sunday Could Means More Wallace
The Steelers will operate Sunday night without wide receiver Antonio Brown and going against a weakened Ravens defense could mean more opportunities for the speedster Mike Wallace. Wallace is the team’s homerun hitter, but has been relatively quiet this season; just one 100-yard receiving game this season. The Ravens are ranked 26th against the pass allowing more than 250 yards in the air; even without Big Ben (Roethlisberger) under center expect the Steelers to take their shots downfield. Wallace will be a hit and miss, but hard to sit him when he’s always a threat to take one to the house and still averaging better than 7 targets per game in his last three contests.
Moore Could Be the Hot Pick this Week in Oak-town
With wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (hamstring) likely to be shelved this Sunday against the Saints, wideout Denarius Moore figures to pick up the slack in a big way. Moore leads the team with five scores this season and could add to that total going up against one of the leagues worst pass defense. The Saints have allowed 19 passing touchdowns this season and are giving up the most fantasy points to receivers. Moore is a must start Sunday.
Megatron Could Be Ready for Another Big Sunday
Wide receiver Calvin Johnson may only have a few trips to the end zone on his 2012 resume, but he’s still having a Mega-season; on pace for 115 receptions, 1,731 yards receiving, and 3.5 touchdowns. This Sunday Calvin will face the Packers 19th ranked pass defense, a defense that he owned in their last matchup in 2011; a scoring line of 11/244/1. The Packers also allow the 9th most fantasy points to receivers which should bode well for Megatron owners.
Celek Could Have a Big Game on Sunday
The Eagles tight end Brent Celek could easily end up being rookie quarterback Nick Foles best friend this Sunday. With Foles making his first start, Celek could very well wind up being a hot target and safety net for the rookie. Celek has been quiet the past five games, but Sunday facing the Redskins 30th ranked pass defense could change all that. The Redskins defense allows the 2nd most fantasy points to tight ends, including 7 touchdowns. If you have been sitting Celek as of late, this could be the week to put him in.
Campbell Set to Start Monday Night
The Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has been ruled out for Monday night and back up Jason Campbell will get the start. Like was saw last Sunday night when Campbell relieved the injured Cutler, wide receiver Brandon Marshall can expect to be a busy pass catcher. Marshall was Campbell’s go-to much of the second half and this should play out Monday night. The Niners have been stingy against opposing receivers allowing the 4th fewest fantasy points, but Marshall has been dominant much of the season and remains a solid top WR1 every week (even with Campbell under center).
By David Ortega
Wednesday Edition
November 14th, 2012
David’s Daily Digest
Spiller to Carry the Load
With running back Fred Jackson sidelined this week with a concussion, CJ Spiller will not only start but likely carry the load. Spiller has been a consistent flex option all season, but his new starter status has likely vaulted him to the top of the charts as a lead RB1 option this week. The Bills take play Thursday night and take on the Dolphins 5th ranked run defense, fortunately for owners Spiller has been effective in both the run and pass game; he’s a safe start in week 11.
Run-DMC Likely Out Again
The Raiders will not have the services of running back Darren McFadden once again this week as he nurses his injured ankle. With Run-DMC sidelined full back Marcel Reece is the preferred fantasy selection from the Raiders backfield. With the Raiders set to host the Saints defense this Sunday, Reece has a nice matchup against one of the league’s worst defenses; the Saints also surrender the 2nd most fantasy points to running backs.
The Steelers Carrying a Full-House
With Mendenhall returning to a full practice this week, the Steelers are shaping up to have all three of their bruising running backs ready for Sunday. With Mendenhall, Redman, and Dwyer all figuring in the mix; the smart money would be on running back Jonathan Dwyer to get first look. It’s a tough dilemma and a tough read for fantasy owners and one best to avoid if possible.
Sproles Looks Ready to Return
The Saints running back Darren Sproles returned to practice this week and looks on track to play this Sunday. With the recent strong running of backs Chris Ivory and Mark Ingram, the backfield now appears to be a little overcrowded. Even with the crowded backfield, Sproles is the favorite to see plenty of action, but his best value is in PPR formats.
Vick Likley Out, Foles Expected to Start This Sunday
It’s not official, but all signs are pointing to rookie quarterback Nick Foles starting this Sunday. If Foles does in fact start, the fantasy impact could be a lot of running back LeSean McCoy. While the team will want to see what Foles can do, the rookie will need protection and his safety net could be running back McCoy. The Eagles ball carrier is a dynamic and crafty runner with blazing speed and exceptional vision, but through 9 games this season he has just two touchdowns and eclipsed 20 carries just three times. Expect McCoy to see a lot of work this week.
By David Ortega
